Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Summary Strategy

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

2022-2027

The BRC acknowledges that to undertake world-class translational research, we need to consider the people we support and the communities we serve. To ensure we do so systematically we have created an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy to provide guidance and set the tone for the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre moving forwards.

A summary of our Underpinning Principles and Objectives can be found below to give a sense of what we value and will be encouraging for our researchers and research projects. The full EDI Strategy can be accessed through this link and will be reviewed regularly.

Underpinning Principles

1. Measurable: we will take an evidence-based approach in identifying issues or challenges in EDI within the BRC. Objectives and plans need to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based).
2. Informed: to properly address any issues, it is important to fully understand what these are before taking a particular route to a solution. Issues need to be identified that are specific to each protected characteristic to support activities and policy development.
3. Equitable: all activities should seek to be of equitable access. Barriers to engaging in an activity should be identified quickly in advance and addressed proactively.
4. Proactive: it is important to act proactively to address barriers to equality. Those with leadership and management positions in the BRC, as well as those funded by the programmes, should actively seek to change current practice and culture where required.
5. Reflective: it is important to reflect on both current policies, and recent actions within the BRC, to understand where changes may be required.

The six principal long-term objectives of our strategy are:

1. To improve and diversify our recruitment and retention practices to develop a more balanced workplace, including diversity of senior leadership, governance, and decision-making positions within the BRC.
2. To build diverse leadership capacity by creating equitable opportunities for current and future leaders.
3. Signpost to existing mentoring schemes and create and support new schemes that are of strategic importance to the BRC.
4. Signpost to existing networks and create and support new networks that are of strategic importance to the BRC.
5. To advocate for a more equal, diverse and inclusive future within the BRC and beyond and play an active part in constructive challenge.
6. Aim to ensure that the public we serve locally and nationally is reflected in the clinical and biomedical research we undertake through public involvement, engagement and participation in our research.

Academic Women Association at Imperial

This new network at Imperial aims to provide women, in and outside academia, with a safe space to discuss and plan their careers in leadership roles. Follow this link for more details- Academic Women Association: a new women network at Imperial